Compact Furniture Ejector Lever With Stable Cam Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ejection devices for movable furniture parts are complex, require significant installation space, and lack user-friendly handling due to their design and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A compact ejection device with a locking mechanism on a pivotably mounted lever, featuring a curved guide with a loop-shaped section and a control element with a pin, allowing for stable latching and easy unlocking, and optionally incorporating a magnet for secure operation, which can be used independently of other guide elements or dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple locking elements is used to ensure stable latching, then the reliability of the ejection device is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated locking mechanism on the lever. The control element with pin integrates the functions of multiple separate locking elements that were previously required, reducing component count while maintaining reliable latching through the cam guide geometry and single pin design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element with pin serves multiple functions: it engages with the cam guide to provide locking, guides the unlocking motion, and interacts with the starting bevel to initiate the ejection sequence. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with two separate locking elements is used to ensure stable latching, then the reliability is improved, but the installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate locking elements into a single integrated control element with pin that operates within one cam guide. This consolidation reduces the spatial footprint while maintaining the dual-locking functionality through the geometric constraints of the cam guide and pin interaction.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used to achieve stable latching, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to longer unlocking distance
Solution Approach 1:
The cam guide features a curved profile with a loop section that enables the control element pin to travel a short distance while achieving complete unlocking. The curved geometry transforms a compact motion path into an effective locking mechanism, reducing the linear unlocking distance required compared to straight-line mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The starting bevel on the cam guide dynamically assists the unlocking process by converting a small initial movement of the control element into a larger lever rotation. This dynamic mechanical advantage reduces the effort and distance required by the user to initiate and complete the unlocking sequence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact, user-friendly ejection device that can be easily integrated into various furniture types, providing stable latching and secure operation, even in different orientations, with reduced unlocking distance and force requirements, enhancing ease of use and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pivotably mounted lever (2) which is prestressed in an ejection direction by a spring (17)
Implementation Method 2
a magnet is provided on the lever, by means of which the control element can be influenced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
The invention relates to an ejector unit (1), in particular for movable furniture parts, comprising a pivotably mounted lever (2), which is preloaded by means of a spring (17) in an ejection direction, wherein the lever (2) is provided with a detent mechanism (11, 20) by means of which the lever (2) can be latched in a closed position against the force of the spring (17). This allows the ejector unit (1) to have a particularly compact design.